You’ve probably experienced this one. A heat wave is covering the San Antonio area and the air conditioner in your home begins blowing out warm air or stops running altogether. Along with hundreds of other people in our town, you reach for the phone to call your HVAC specialist, and wait out the heat until relief arrives. Although some A/C problems will require a professional technician, here are a few tips that can be used to reduce the likeliness of this happening to you this summer.
Ensure Maximum Air Flow
A properly operating central air system must be able to pull the air through the unit, including recirculating air from within your home. If the air flow is blocked in any way, it can end up translating to money out of pocket for you. To assure you have the manufacturer suggested air flow, make sure to keep clear the immediate area around the vents - indoors and outside. This includes scaling back vegetation and cleaning dirt away from vents.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Beyond helping reduce energy costs by regulating your home’s temperature, programmable thermostats can also help minimize impact on your system. Adjust the temperature of your home to run less when you are at work or school, and automatically increase to a desired temperature when you are actually in the home.
In addition, program your thermostat for extended run-cycles. While this action won’t prevent problems, it can help reduce humidity in your San Antonio area home. This can offer a more comfortable environment, plus keep mold spores from growing in your home.
Watch Out for Those Pests
Many bugs and pests are drawn to A/C units, which can be damaging if they get inside the system. To keep ants and other pests away, use an eco-friendly pesticide around the foundation of the unit to keep them from “bugging” your air conditioner.
Stay Level
Nearly all outdoor A/C units are placed on a concrete slab or other platform, permitting them a level base of operation. However, just like a home’s foundation, your A/C’s platform can also sink or settle into the ground, hindering the performance of the air conditioner. Keep an eye on your outdoor component to ensure that the base continues to stay level.
Naturally, regular maintenance, such as lubrication and filter changes, are very important to keep your air conditioner functioning well. Try to schedule system maintenance review before the summer starts to ensure your system is ready to face the hot days ahead. Following these suggestions, you may be able to decrease the chance of several common A/C problems and have a stress-free and climate controlled home all summer.